Eight crew members rescued after distress call from Malaysian tanker.
A Malaysian-registered tanker, the Silver Sincere, sank in Singapore waters near Pedra Branca on Sunday (Jan 12). All eight crew members were safely evacuated onto life rafts and rescued by an Indonesian freighter. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) confirmed that no injuries were reported and navigational traffic remains unaffected.
On Jan 12, the Malaysian tanker Silver Sincere issued a distress call to Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) after taking on water near Pedra Branca. This marks the second maritime rescue in the Singapore Strait within two days, highlighting the region’s critical role in international shipping and rescue operations.
The MPA received a distress call at 3:40 pm local time. The tanker’s master evacuated all crew onto life rafts before the vessel sank. The Indonesian freighter Intan Daya 368, directed by the MPA, rescued all eight crew members, who were later disembarked in Batu Ampar, Indonesia.
Salvage tugs and oil spill response craft have been deployed to recover the sunken vessel and mitigate environmental risks. The MPA has issued navigational safety advisories, ensuring passing ships avoid the incident site.
The Silver Sincere, built in 1987 and owned by Malaysia’s CCK Capital, was a 1,187-dwt tanker with P&I cover from Shipowners Club. The incident occurred during a monsoon surge with heavy weather and strong winds, contributing to the vessel’s sinking.
This incident follows the rescue of 18 crew members from the Vietnam-flagged freighter Dolphin 18 in Singapore’s maritime search and rescue region a day earlier, underscoring the challenges faced during the monsoon season.
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Despite the incident, navigational traffic in the Singapore Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, remains unaffected. The MPA has ensured smooth operations and prompt coordination of rescue efforts.
The incident showcases Singapore’s robust maritime safety infrastructure. With rapid response capabilities and seamless coordination with neighboring countries, the region reaffirms its role as a global maritime hub. Visitors can remain assured of stringent safety measures safeguarding regional waters.
Sources: CNA, Sea Trade (2025)
Keywords: Malaysian Tanker, Singapore Waters, Crew Rescued
